The Provincial Tracking Team in Limpopo has successfully arrested a 21-year-old suspect involved in multiple ATM bombings across the Vhembe and Mopani districts.
The suspect was handed over to the police by his father, a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), after learning that his son was wanted in connection with the bombings.
The suspect, along with accomplices, is believed to have used explosives to damage ATM machines and took an undisclosed amount of money. One such incident occurred on 18 November 2024 at approximately 2:00 AM, when suspects bombed an ATM machine at Wholesale in Sekgosese. When police responded to the scene, a shootout ensued, and the suspects fled in a silver Suzuki sedan. The police gave chase until the driver lost control near Sephukubje village, at which point all occupants fled into nearby bushes. The silver Suzuki was seized as an exhibit.
A docket was opened at Sekgosese Police Station and later transferred to the Provincial Tracking Team for further investigation. Through extensive investigation, the suspects were identified, and a search was conducted in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni in Gauteng Province. When the father of the suspect, a Gauteng-based police officer, learned that his son was being sought by the authorities, he took the responsible step of handing him over to the Limpopo investigation team.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrest and commended the integrity of the police officer for doing the right thing, by handing over his own son to account for his wrongful actions.
The suspect is set to appear before the Senwamokgope Periodical Court today, 05 December 2024, on charges of malicious damage to property (ATM bombing), attempted murder, and reckless and negligent driving.
The police are still pursuing the suspect’s accomplices, and efforts are underway to ensure they are brought to book to face the full might of law.
Anyone with information that can assist in locating the suspects should contact Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111, the nearest Police Station, or anonymously make use of MySAPSApp.
